photo by Ian Lovell

Conference players including Chris Vitalini (above) helped Celtic Crusaders more than show that they could hold their own in Super League, should they be given a franchise for 2009, after turning over Harlequins on Saturday night.

It was a confident performance from the new-look Crusaders, who fielded seven of their new signings plus trialist Rod Peake on Saturday night, as barring a few handling errors, didn’t put many feet wrong as they cruised to victory.

Their coach John Dixon, who has made no secret that he wants to lead the Crusaders to the National League One title this year, was certainly happy with his players.

“It’s important to play against quality opposition pre-season, which is what we did today,” he said. “We’ve played against a Super League side and not only won and scored some wonderful tries but only conceded one try.

“What’s also important is the depth of our squad was demonstrated. I’m very pleased with the youngsters who turned out today, players like Tom Burnell, Chris Vitalini and Ben Flower, Ben playing his first ever game of rugby league today was terrific, very strong and carried the ball well. If they can go out there and play against Super League opposition and be as technically good and as physically committed as they were today, then the season bodes well for us.”

Former American Footballer Philippe Gardent was given a debut earlier in the game than expected after replacing the injured Gareth Dean in the first quarter of the game, and Dixon was equally as happy with his performance.

“Phil had never even seen a game of rugby league before let alone played it,” Dixon added. “To see him hold his positions in the line and do the job as well as he did was terrific. He’s a long way from being the finished product for us but some of his carries off the line were strong and his understanding of what he had to do showed that he’s been listening and working really hard. Down the track, I’m certain there’s a place for Phil in our team.”

Quins, who were at almost full strength, had the best of the early chances. A Jon Wells kick was covered by Tony Duggan while Danny Orr’s grubber went too far for Wells.

At the other end, Jace Van Dijk, Tony Duggan and Mark Lennon combined well through the middle of the park, but the Welsh international was stopped in his tracks by the

Orr almost created another chance before the quarter-hour mark but his pass close to the line was intercepted.

Quins took the lead on 18 minutes when Jon Grayshon set up Scott Hill to go under the sticks. Henry Paul converted.

But Crusaders levelled things just over five minutes later after Anthony Blackwood played a neat one-two with fellow Welsh international Luke Dyer to go over in the corner following an excellent lead-up. Van Dijk converted to level the scores.

And the Welsh side went in with a 12-6 half-time lead when Paul Ballard sprinted

the length of the pitch to ground with Van Dijk converting.

There could have been a further try early in the second half but Rod Peake’s grubber was just too far for Blackwood to latch onto.

But a try from Newport-born Chris Vitalini try in the corner from the restart gave Crusaders a 10-point lead while a Damien Quinn try and goal made the score 22-6.

Man of the match Blackwood’s second try in corner converted by Van Dijk wrapped up the 28-6 win.

Harlequins’ coach Brian McDermott wasn’t downhearted with his team’s defeat.

“It wasn’t a disappointing defeat at all,” McDermott said. “This was a friendly, a trial and we trialled a few plays. I’ve actually gone in there and told a few of the players that some of the stuff they did out there was very good. We were poor in some areas but that was probably more to do with Celtic Crusaders being good offensively with the ball.”

 CELTIC CRUSADERS
1. Tony Duggan
2. Paul Ballard
3. Luke Dyer
4. Mark Dalle Cort
5. Anthony Blackwood
6. Mark Lennon
7. Jace Van Dijk
8. Gareth Dean
9. Neil Budworth
10. David Tangata-Toa
11. Jamie I'Anson
12. Darren Mapp
13. Chris Beasley

Subs (all used)
1. Rod Peake
4. Chris Vitalini
10. Philippe Gardent
12. Geraint Davies
14. Ian Webster
15. Damien Quinn
16. Aaron Summers
17. Terry Martin
18. Ben Flower
19. Tom Burnell

Tries: Blackwood (25, 66), Ballard (35), Vitalini (48), Quinn (59)
Goals: Van Dijk 3/3, Quinn 1/2

HARLEQUINS RLFC
1 Mark McLinden
2 Jon Wells
3 David Howell
4 Matt Gafa
5 Rikki Sheriffe
6 Scott Hill
7 Danny Orr
8 Karl Temata
9 Chad Randall
11 Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook
14 Danny Ward
20 Jon Grayshon
23 Henry Paul

Subs (all used)
12 Rob Thomas
15 David Williams
17 Julien Rinaldi 
18 Joe Mbu
19 Tony Clubb
21 Dylan Skee
22 Dwayne Barker
24 Will Sharp
25 Lamont Bryan
26 Joe Walsh
27 Mike Worrincy
28 Jack Graves

Tries: Hill (18)
Goals: Paul 1/1

Attendance: 960

Men of the Match:
Crusaders Anthony Blackwood
Harlequins Danny Orr

Half-time: 12-6
Referee: Jamie Leahy (Dewsbury)

article by Ian Golden
26 January 2008